A Guelph man turned himself in to police late last month, facing two charges of sexual assault, a spokesperson for Guelph police confirms.
In a social media post shortly after the charges were laid, Ed Pickersgill, a well-known advocate for marginalized members of the community and organizer of The Bench in Downtown Guelph, confirmed he had been charged.
A search of the province’s online database of criminal charges shows Charles Edward Pickersgill is facing at least one charge (there is a single case number identified), though it doesn’t indicate what the charge is. However, the next court appearance date listed aligns with what Pickersgill stated online.
Based on information sworn to by a Guelph police officer and filed with the courts, one of the alleged sexual assaults is said to have happened between March 1 and 31, with the other taking place between May 1 and June 15 – both this year.
It took several days to confirm the information with the court.
Each incident involves the same complainant.
In his post, Pickersgill neither acknowledged guilt nor proclaimed innocence, just confirmed the charges against and what he believes they were based on.
The next court date is set for Oct. 13, to be spoken to.
